Growing Broccoli Sprouts and Broccoli Microgreens

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A step-by-step guide to Growing Broccoli Sprouts and Broccoli Microgreens in the comfort of your kitchen. Learn how to sprout broccoli seeds, learn how to grow broccoli microgreens from one type of seed.

A woman holding a bowl of sprouts. — Bowl of sprouts.

Sprinkle them on top of your salads of delicious chicken roll ups for added freshness.

Sprouting your seeds

Sprouting seeds is a quick and easy way to add fresh and nutritious greens to your diet. Sprouting means germinating seeds to produce young plants, often eaten raw and used in various dishes.

Many types of seeds can be sprouted, including broccoli, alfalfa sprouts, mung beans, and radish.

Sprouting your seeds can be a fun and rewarding activity that can help you take control of your nutrition and add some variety to your meals.

Today, our concentration goes to broccoli seeds and their growth into sprouts and microgreens.

Broccoli Sprouts Nutrition and Health Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts contain essential nutrients that can benefit the body in various ways.

These sprouts are particularly rich in sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant.

Additionally, broccoli sprouts contain vitamins C, K, and A, dietary fiber, and protein.

These nutrients support the immune system, maintain healthy skin and bones, and promote overall health and wellness.

Where To Buy Broccoli Seeds For Sprouting?

You can buy broccoli seeds for sprouting at many health food stores, online retailers, and garden centers. Here are a few places where you can buy broccoli seeds for sprouting:

Online – Many online shops specialize in selling seeds for sprouting, including Amazon, Etsy, and Sproutpeople. These retailers offer a wide variety, so you can easily compare prices and read customer reviews before purchasing.
Health food stores – Many food stores carry sprouting seeds, including broccoli seeds. Look for organic, non-GMO seeds that are specifically labeled for sprouting.
Garden centers – Some garden centers also have seeds for sprouting, including broccoli seeds. These seeds may be available in packets or sold in bulk. Just make sure to get broccoli seeds meant for sprouting.
Seed catalogs – Seed catalogs from companies specializing in growing and selling seeds may also offer broccoli seeds for sprouting. These catalogs can be ordered online or by mail.

Sprouts in a glass jar on a wooden table.

Soak Broccoli Sprouts Seeds For Sprouting

Soaking broccoli sprouts seeds before sprouting is an essential step in the sprouting process. Soaking the seeds helps to activate the germination process, softens the seed coat, and removes any debris or dust that may be present.

Quick Start Guide on How To Sprout Broccoli Seeds 2 ways

Sprouting seeds at home require minimal equipment and can be done in a few days. Sprouting allows you to grow your fresh produce and provides a convenient way to access a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial for overall health and well-being.

Today our concentration goes to the two most common ways to grow your seeds.

I use both methods, as one gives me sprouts in just a few days, and the second lets me grow microgreens I can use later.

How To Grow Broccoli Sprouts At Home

Growing sprouts have always been challenging following my easy steps. All you need is a mason jar and some mesh.

Grow Microgreens on a Tray

Growing microgreens on a tray is a fun and easy way to bring fresh, healthy greens in and grow them at home.

You use the same seeds. How you grow them is slightly different. Also, microgreens are mature broccoli sprouts, if one can describe them that way.

With just a little effort and patience, you’ll soon be enjoying a bountiful harvest.

Remember to check my video for a better understanding. Video instructions are great for those who prefer the visual way of learning.

Sprouts in a wicker basket on a wooden table.

Kitchen Gadgets:

Small glass jar
Sieve
Mason Jar
Plate
Paper tissue
Spray bottle
Cloth mesh
Bowl

Ingredients:

Broccoli seeds for sprouting
Water

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO GROW YOUR OWN SPROUTS IN YOUR KITCHEN

First Step: Get your seeds ready

Prepare your seeds. How to buy and where to buy them are mentioned in the article above.

A glass of water and seeds next to a glass of water.

Second Step: Soak your seeds

First, soak your broccoli seeds in water for a few hours. I usually soak them the night before and leave them soaked till the following day.

Soaking is very important for germination to start. Without it, your seeds will not open up.

Rinse the seeds thoroughly with cool water to remove any debris or dust. Place the seeds in a jar or container. Fill the jar with cool water to cover the seeds completely. Let it sit overnight.

How to grow broccoli seeds in a glass jar.

Third Step: Prepare Mason Jar and grow

After soaking, drain the water from the jar or container using a fine mesh strainer.

Place 2 tablespoons of broccoli seeds into a mason jar and cover the jar top with mesh, as seen in the video. Close the jar, rinse the seeds thoroughly with cool water, and drain again.

Place the jar upside down into a small bowl in a cool, dark place and let the seeds sprout for 3-5 days. Always rinse the sprouts and drain the seeds. Repeat this process with broccoli sprouts every day, the best twice a day.

Fourth Step: Repeat

Repeat the process until all the fresh sprouts have grown and you are ready to enjoy them.

Fifth Step: Growing Microgreens preps

At the same time as I prepare to sprout in a mason jar, I use half of the seeds to grow microgreens.

Onto a plate of a small container, place two layers of paper towel. Add two tablespoons of broccoli seeds, and spread them in a single layer. Spray those with water making sure it is wet.

On top of the seeds, place two sheets of paper towel again and spray that to be moist. This allows the seeds to grow ideally in their warm world and fasten the sprouting time.

Keep spraying the paper 2 to 3 times a day making sure it is always moist.

Sixth Step: Grow

After about 2 days, the tiny sprouts start to grow. At this stage, you can take the top layer of the paper towel and keep only the base. Keep spraying and growing your microgreens for another 4 to 5 days.

Seventh Step: Retain

Once your microgreens have open leaves, it is time to enjoy them. You can cut the tops with scissors whenever needed and keep the rest growing.

A person is holding a container of microgreens on top of a wooden table. — Container of microgreens.

TRICKS AND TIPS ON SPROUTING BROCCOLI:

Soaking – By soaking your broccoli sprouts seeds before sprouting, you can help ensure the seeds germinate properly and produce healthy, vibrant sprouts.
Rinse – Be sure to rinse and drain the seeds regularly during growing to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How To Eat Broccoli Sprouts?

Here are some ways to eat organic broccoli sprouts:

Toss with pasta: Add raw sprouts to your favorite pasta dish for texture and flavor. Toss the sprouts with cooked pasta and your choice of sauce.
Top avocado toast: Use broccoli sprouts as a topping for avocado toast for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor.
Dinner meals: Sprinkling on top of chicken stir fry or dinner you are cooking right now is just a perfect addition.
Make a sprout sandwich: Layer broccoli sprouts with your favorite sandwich ingredients, such as cheese, tomato, and cucumber, for a healthy and satisfying lunch option.
Blend into dips: Add broccoli sprouts to dips, such as hummus or guacamole, for a unique twist on a classic recipe.
Use as a pizza topping: Sprinkle raw broccoli sprouts over your favorite pizza for added nutrition and texture.
Sprinkling them on top of air fryer sweet potatoes is just a dream come true.

A close up of sprouts on a wooden surface.

Do I need Sprouting Jar?

No, you do not necessarily need a sprouting jar to grow broccoli sprouts. While sprouting jars can be helpful, you can use other everyday household items to sprout your broccoli seeds. Here are some alternatives to sprouting jars:

Wide-mouthed mason jars – Mason jars are a popular alternative to sprouting jars. Cover the mouth of the jar with a piece of cheesecloth or mesh instead of sprouting lid and secure it with a rubber band.
Colanders or strainers – Use a colander or sieve to rinse and drain your broccoli sprouts. Place the seeds in the colander or strainer and rinse under running water.
Plastic or glass containers – Any plastic or glass container with a lid can be used for sprouting. Make sure to poke holes in the lid to allow for proper ventilation.
Paper towel or coffee filter – You can use a damp paper towel or coffee filter as a growing medium for your broccoli sprouts. Spread the seeds on the paper towel or coffee filter, dampen them with water, and cover them with another damp paper towel or coffee filter.

How Do You Store sprouts?

Remember to store your broccoli sprouts in the refrigerator and use them within a few days of sprouting for optimal freshness and flavor.

To store your sprouts, first, make sure they are completely dry. Excess moisture can cause sprouts to spoil more quickly. Then, place the sprouts in a clean, airtight container, such as a plastic bag or container with a tight-fitting lid. It’s important not to pack the sprouts too tightly in the container, as this can cause them to become compressed and spoil more quickly.

Can You Freeze Sprouts?

While it’s not recommended to freeze sprouts, they can be frozen. However, freezing can affect the texture and flavor of the sprouts, so it’s best to consume them fresh if possible.

Pin For Later

An image of broccoli sprouts in a bowl. — Broccoli sprouts in a bowl.

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